Leadership foundation brings young ambassadors to DC

Updated: 2014-07-31 11:13

By Liu Chang in Washington (China Daily USA)

US Congressman Jim Moran (standing) speaks to a group of Asian-American college students, who were selected as young ambassadors by International Leadership Foundation's exchange and training program, on Wednesday in Washington as ILF CEO Chiling Tong (in purple) and Congresswoman Grace Meng (in blue) look on. Chang Liu / China Daily

The International Leadership Foundation (ILF), along with the National Council of Asian American Business Organizations, will host the annual Leadership and Business Conference in Washington on Thursday.

The event will feature discussions on the global impact of growing US-Asia economic cooperation and the opportunity to strengthen ties between future leaders.

On Wednesday, outstanding Asian-American college students selected as young ambassadors by the ILF's exchange and training program met with US Representatives Jim Moran, Jim McDermott, Charlie Rangel and other government officials.

As the future composition of the Young Global Leaders community, 51 students from across the Straits will complete two weeks of international affairs and leadership training in the US and then will be awarded the International Youth Goodwill Ambassador honors upon graduation.

McDermott said since his first time traveling to China in 1977, he has witnessed the country's phenomenal development. Recalling his China trips, he was impressed with the warm greetings he received and also remembered people spoke to him in English on the street. They were friendly and open-hearted to foreigners, said McDermott.

Laura Hughes, foreign policy advisor for McDermott, believes that US-China relations can be conducted in a positive tone.

The young ambassordors are chosen not only because of their tremendous professional achievements, but also for their dedication to the improvement of the Asian Pacific American community, according to ILF's statement.

Aimed at developing young leaders in the US, Asia, and other Pacific-Rim countries in the fields of public service, entrepreneurship and the international arena, ILF is a non-profit organization that promotes civic awareness, public service and economic effectiveness of the Asian Pacific American community.

The ILF on Thursday is scheduled to welcome its guests and other Asian-American honorees to its Annual Awards Gala Dinner in Washington.